About This Course: Computer Networks and the Internet Architecture

This course delves into the critical role of computer networks, or what's now called "Networks of Things," which are pivotal in the digital transformation landscape and geared towards bolstering the services provided over the internet. With its content crafted by the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology at Universidad del Rosario, the course utilizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical lab sessions.

Course Descriptor

Students in this intermediate-level course will explore the architecture, applications, and protocols of computer networks, focusing particularly on the most widely used internet architecture, the TCP/IP model. It covers topics from basic HTTP protocol functions to sophisticated network security measures, including VLANs and firebounds.

What Students Will Learn

• Understand the TCP/IP-based internet architecture
• Concepts of application layer protocols including HTTP and DNS
• Operational principles of the transport layer protocols TCP and UDP
• IP addressing mechanisms and routing algorithms
• Characteristics of wired and wireless networks
• Identify common vulnerabilities in network protocols and apply regular network protection mechanisms

Pre-requisites or Skills Necessary

Basic knowledge in programming is required (Python, Java or C++), as the course builds on these skills to develop network-related applications and scripts.

Course Coverage

• TCP/IP Network Architecture and Application Layers
• Transport and Network Layer Functions and Protocols
• IP Addressing and Routing Algorithms
• VLAN and Firewalls Setup and Configuration
• Wireless Network Setups and Security Measures

Who This Course is For

This course targets individuals looking to deepen their knowledge in computer networking - an essential skill in various IT roles such as network administration, system design, and security management, among others interested in exploiting technology for digital transformation.

Application in the Real World

Skills acquired from this course can be applied in managing and securing network infrastructures in corporate environments, designing scalable network architectures, and implementing essential network security measures to protect organizations against cyber-security threats.

Course Syllabus

1. Week 1: Network Architecture and Application Layer - Basic Concepts, TCP/IP, Application Layer
2. Week 2: Transport and Network Layer - Transport Layer, Network Layer
3. Week 3: Network, Link, and Physical Layers - Routing, Link Layer, Physical Layer
4. Week 4: Wireless Networks and Security - Essentials of Wireless Networks